In this excellent two-part programme from BBC Radio 4, Hugh Levinson talks to some of Africa's leading scientists and policy experts to explore the role of scientific research in boosting Africa's agriculture and health.
He questions whether Africa can hold on to its best scientists when there are lucrative opportunities abroad, and weighs up the advantages of practical research against intellectually challenging blue-sky thinking.
The African Union and many donor nations believe that developing the continent's scientific capability is crucial for economic transformation. However, Levinson examines whether this compelling vision is possible in an environment where power-cuts keep plunging scientific labs into darkness.
AfricaLab Part one - 30mins (27Mb)
AfricaLab Part two - 30mins (27Mb)
BBC Radio 4 - Produced and presented by Hugh Levinson
